With immigration enforcement ramping up across southeast Texas, school officials are addressing concerns by clarifying how they handle federal agency requests while prioritizing student safety.
With federal enforcement ramping up, school districts across the Houston area are preparing to address concerns from immigrant families about potential federal actions on campus.
KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun reached out to area school districts to discuss the implications of President Trump’s executive order, which permits federal immigration agents to enter schools as part of their enforcement efforts.
ALIEF ISD
Alief ISD released the following letter to families:
As you have likely heard on the news, President Trump’s administration has taken action through executive orders and policy changes that affect immigration across the United States. Please know that Alief ISD has been in discussion with our legal counsel to ensure we provide our staff and families with timely information. As we continue to evaluate these changes, we ask you to please update your contact information. This ensures timely district information is received.
Parents can update their child’s emergency contact information in two ways: (1) A phone number and email can be updated in the Home Access Center, or (2) if you cannot access the portal, please contact the registrar on your child’s campus. Along with updating your personal contact information, we urge you to update the list of individuals approved to drop off and pick up your child from school.
District employees have been advised that they should not openly discuss the immigration status of students. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information of students and students’ education records. Currently, the immigration status of our students is not included in the information requested for enrollment purposes.
We understand that the immigration changes you have heard about in the news likely have caused some of our Alief ISD families concern, anxiety, and fear. Please reach out to our district’s counselors and social workers if you would like resources on how to cope with anxiety and other emotions.
Alief ISD has been and will remain a safe and welcoming place for our students to learn and our staff to work. We love our students and are grateful for our relationship with you.
Thank you for your continuous support and for being a part of our Alief ISD family.
CONROE ISD
Conroe ISD has clarified its approach to maintaining campus safety and its collaboration with law enforcement agencies:
The role of the Conroe ISD Police Department is to provide for the safety of our campuses by enforcing state and local laws on our campuses and properties. While enforcing immigration law is not a primary role for the Conroe ISD Police Department, we have always and will continue to cooperate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners when requested regarding official investigations and in the pursuit of criminal justice.
CLEVELAND ISD
Cleveland ISD has outlined its policies regarding student enrollment and interactions with law enforcement agencies.
Protocols for visits from outside enforcement agencies (Except CPS which has its own protocols)
- If a law enforcement official arrives on campus asking for information or requesting access to a student, an administrator should assist. This should be the principal if the principal is on campus, if not then assistant principal is to contact Deputy Superintendent immediately.
- Unless there is a district related matter or emergency situation, CISD does not remove students from class except by their parents/guardian (special rules for CPS where CISD does remove). Only the principal, deputy superintendent, superintendent, or CISD Police can determine there is an emergency situation requiring removal.
- In accordance with FERPA, CISD considers student name; dates of attendance; grade level; enrollment status; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; and weight and height of members of athletic team’s directory information which means it can be released. However, except for health or safety emergencies, before any administrator gives out any student’s personal information or that of the student’s family, the district must verify identity of the individual requesting, verify that that the student’s directory information is not marked confidential, and confer with the deputy superintendent or superintendent. Only the principal, deputy superintendent or superintendent can determine a health or safety emergency exists.
- In the event a law enforcement official arrives on campus and asks for student information, the administrator handling should ask for contact information of the individual who arrived (name, agency, badge number, phone number, email), inform the official that the administrator must ensure that CISD is legally able to release the information, and state that the administrator will respond to the official within 24 hours.
- If the officer becomes combative, the CISD police can assist as needed.
- Administrators MUST send all subpoenas to the deputy superintendent for review before responding.
- CISD does not allow outside agencies to talk to students at school or during the school day without parent written permission (except CPS) or as directed by the superintendent, deputy superintendent, or CISD Police.
- If a law enforcement agency (except CPS or as directed by CISD PD) asks to speak to a student or asks for student information, administrators generally notify the parent/guardian unless there is reason to suspect that notifying the parent/guardian will interfere with a district matter, be dangerous to a student’s immediate health or safety, or as otherwise directed by the CISD PD.
- As always, all CISD personnel should continue to remain professional and calm with all law enforcement personnel.
- If ever in doubt or unsure, immediately contact Deputy Superintendent for guidance.
These protocols are intended to protect students’ learning and safety during the instructional day while also ensuring compliance with law enforcement requests to the extent permitted by law. For any questions, contact the Deputy Superintendent.
Cleveland ISD Superintendent Stephen McCanless spoke with Balogun to address questions regarding federal immigration enforcement on school campuses. When asked if federal agencies are allowed to enter school grounds, the superintendent referenced official district documentation outlining protocols for such situations.
McCanless confirmed that children are not required to disclose their citizenship status. Additionally, he stated that no local law enforcement agencies have contacted the district on behalf of federal agencies regarding student citizenship or plans to make arrests or apprehensions. Similarly, no federal agency has reached out to the district regarding these matters.
When asked how the district would handle a situation where a federal agent arrives with a warrant, McCanless referenced district protocols, noting that procedures would be followed in accordance with state law.
READ MORE: Trump rolls out his blueprint on border security, but his orders will face challenges
McCanless explained that every situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. This could include scenarios involving Child Protective Services or custody issues. The district follows state law to ensure compliance and student safety.
He also clarified that there are no known attendance issues related to immigration concerns, as attendance reports are received daily in the afternoon.
GOOSE CREEK ISD
Goose Creek ISD issued the following statement to families about its policies and commitment to supporting all students amidst recent changes in immigration enforcement.
Dear Goose Creek Family,
As you have likely heard on the news, action has been taken through executive orders and corresponding policy changes that affect immigration enforcement across the United States. Goose Creek CISD will comply with all applicable state and federal laws pertaining to our school operations, including the legal requirement to educate all students who enroll in our District, regardless of citizenship status.
Please be advised that Goose Creek CISD does not collect information about citizenship or immigration status from students or parents/guardians during enrollment. Information voluntarily shared by students or parents/guardians is subjective and is not considered proof of a student’s (or parent/guardian’s) citizenry or immigration status.
As always, District personnel are required to maintain the confidentiality of information learned about current and former students through their employment with Goose Creek CISD in accordance with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”).
Goose Creek CISD has been and will remain a safe and welcoming place for our students to learn and our staff to work. We can expect that many of you may have questions about recent and upcoming changes in the legal landscape, which can affect the behavior of our students. We will continue to demonstrate understanding and be a resource for students and families as we navigate the complexities that come along with any change in law or policy.
HISD
Houston ISD has reiterated its commitment to educating all students while adhering to state and federal laws:
HISD enrolls and educates any school-aged student who lives within our attendance boundaries regardless of immigration status. We will continue to follow federal and state laws, which dictate how any law enforcement agency interacts with students on a school campus. The district will comply with the law as we are required to do, and we will continue to provide guidance and support to its schools as issues evolve. Above all else, the district will educate all students, regardless of immigration status, that come through our doors in a fair, just, equitable manner.
SPLENDORA ISD
Splendora ISD prioritizes all students’ safety, privacy, and education while complying with federal, state, and local laws. The district does not collect or require information regarding students’ citizenship status and has not been contacted by federal agencies or local law enforcement regarding student citizenship, apprehensions, or arrests. If a federal agent arrives with a valid warrant, the district will review the documentation with legal counsel and proceed in accordance with the law, ensuring the process is handled discreetly and sensitively.
Splendora ISD is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all families and encourages parents with concerns to contact their child’s campus principal for support.
WILLIS ISD
At Willis ISD, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students above all else. Every child is entitled to a quality education, regardless of immigration status, and we are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all families.
The district does not collect or track students’ immigration status, and all student records remain confidential. Willis ISD does not disclose immigration-related information unless legally required by a valid subpoena; in that case, parents will be notified.
We understand that some families may have questions or concerns, and we encourage them to contact their child’s school for support.
